Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Friday 15 September that 2025 would be a ‘very reasonable timeframe’ for Serbia joining the European Union.
Echoing statements by the president of the European Commission in a letter of intent whereby the EU would intensify work with the Western Balkans, particularly Serbia and Montenegro, for successful accession in 2025, Hahn said the date was a ‘moving target’ not laid down in stone, but was at the same time a ‘very reasonable timeframe.’
In a speech in Belgrade, the Commissioner said of the 35 negotiating chapters: ‘I would be very pleased if we could open all chapters in the next 12 to 24 months, provided Serbia meets the necessary conditions. This would give even further momentum’ . He said the speed would depend on Belgrade’s ability to implement reform, particularly relating to the rule of law.
‘Strengthening the independence, impartiality and efficiency of the judiciary; stepping up the fight against corruption and organised crime; creating an environment that fully guarantees the freedom of expression and of the media are not minor challenges. But they are key!’ Hahn added to the list protection of human rights and a transparent, functional civil service for Serbian citizens. He said that the rule of law goes hand-in-hand with economic development.
Johannes Hahn also stressed dialogue with Kosovo, pointing out that the EU needs to see permanent, binding, sustainable and irreversible normalisation of relations before Serbia joins the EU. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)